David Bowie dies aged 69 after 18-month secret battle with cancer

Legendary singer David Bowie has died at the age of 69 after battling cancer in secret for 18 months.

The star, who released a new album just last week, passed away from the illness yesterday surrounded by his family, according to an announcement on his official website and Facebook page.

Bowie's son said that he was 'very sorry and sad to say it's true' after the news emerged this morning. 

During his illness, which was not made public until after his death yesterday, he continued to record and last week he appeared in a haunting video which contained the lyrics 'I'm in heaven' as he writhed around on a hospital bed. 

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David Bowie has died after an 18-month battle with cancer

News: Bowie's death was announced by his management on his website and social media this morning

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Last picture: Bowie attended the premiere of the musical Lazarus, based on his songs, in New York last month

Following Bowie's death a flood of celebrities and other public figures such as politicians and even the Archbishop of Canterbury rushed to pay tribute to the impact he had on the cultural landscape of his era.

A spokesman for the singer said this morning: 'David Bowie died peacefully surrounded by his family after a courageous 18-month battle with cancer.

'While many of you will share in this loss, we ask that you respect the family’s privacy during their time of grief.' 

His longtime producer Tony Visconti suggested that Bowie knew for a year that his cancer was incurable, and added that 'his death was no different from his life - a work of art'.